Overcoming Temptations - Slander

Slander Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Proverbs 11:9 A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Busting Tips Slander is making false statements that damage the reputation of another. The person that slander often felt offended by the person they attack. Through anger, bitterness, and malice people slander others. Sometimes, slander occurs due to misunderstanding and misinformation; people publicize damaging rumors without checking its authenticity. To avoid succumbing to the slanderous spirit, believers should follow the instruction of Christ outlined in Matthew 18:15-18: If someone offended you, privately tell the fault to the person. Seek reconciliation. If the person refuses to hear you, then share the situation with one or two more mature believers in your local church who can help mediate between you and the person (its best that these be appointed leaders in your local church, such as a deacon). Allow them to help mediate the situation. If the person still refuses to listen, then go to the pastoral leaders of your church. And allow your leaders to help mediate the situation. If someone attempts to tell you damaging news about someone else, first ask them if they have made the first step above to talk to the person alone. If you are in a position to help reconcile a situation do so, otherwise bring it to the leaders of the church. If you are not in a position to help reconcile a situation, refuse to listen or comment about damaging news of someone else. If you know of damaging information about someone, your first responsibility is to lovingly approach that person. If you are not in a position to do so, or it's not appropriate, only share the information with someone who can have direct mediation in the situation. (Example: If you witnessed an assisting pastor of your local church in a questionable situation, then only share that with the church pastor or a leader with similar authority; do not share what you saw with any one else.) Thus, the situation can be handled without hurting the person's reputation, especially since you may have misunderstood what you saw. If you are unsure of what to do, it is best to keep your mouth shut. Always, if someone offends you follow Jesus' instruction above.